Lent Devotional Day 24

Day 24
Friday, March 17

John 10:22-42
22 The time came for the Festival of Dedication[a] in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple, walking in the covered porch named for Solomon. 24 The Jewish opposition circled around him and asked, “How long will you test our patience? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

25 Jesus answered, “I have told you, but you don’t believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you don’t believe because you don’t belong to my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life. They will never die, and no one will snatch them from my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them from my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

31 Again the Jewish opposition picked up stones in order to stone him. 32 Jesus responded, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of those works do you stone me?” 33 The Jewish opposition answered, “We don’t stone you for a good work but for insulting God. You are human, yet you make yourself out to be God.”

34 Jesus replied, “Isn’t it written in your Law, I have said, you are gods?[b] 35 Scripture calls those to whom God’s word came gods, and scripture can’t be abolished. 36 So how can you say that the one whom the Father has made holy and sent into the world insults God because he said, ‘I am God’s Son’? 37 If I don’t do the works of my Father, don’t believe me. 38 But if I do them, and you don’t believe me, believe the works so that you can know and recognize that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” 39 Again, they wanted to arrest him, but he escaped from them.

40 Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had baptized at first, and he stayed there. 41 Many people came to him. “John didn’t do any miraculous signs,” they said, “but everything John said about this man was true.” 42 Many believed in Jesus there.

Reflection
“May the works I've done speak for me” is a gospel song sung sometimes at funerals. It’s saying that my deeds illustrate who I am and what I value. 

This is the sentiment Jesus is trying to get across to those who don’t believe he is who he says he is. Jesus is saying that his works are the tell-tale sign that he is God. The miracles, healings, conversations, all reveal God. 

Further there is a disconnect between being human and being divine that Jesus’ opponents lift up. Yet, Jesus is clear on his identity and his actions. For him, he does what he does because of who he is. Think about that. 

What do you understand about Jesus based on this scripture? Write your own I believe statement about Jesus.  Sometimes we’re quick to say what we don’t believe; take this time to affirm what you do think and know about who Jesus is to you. 

Prayer
Jesus, I’m so glad that no matter what I believe or what I struggle to believe, you accept me and love me. Thank you for making space for my confidence and my uncertainty. I pray that my actions will be aligned with who I believe you to be. Amen. 

By Charity Goodwin